Cecropia obtusa extract and chlorogenic acid exhibit anti aging effect in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes cells exposed to UV radiation.

Cecropia obtusa is popularly used in the Amazonian region and exhibits antioxidant activity. Cosmetic formulations containing C. obtusa extract are commercially available for purchase; however, the chemical composition and the effects of the topical application of the extract are not described in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the main components of C. obtusa for the first time and to assess the anti aging effect in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes exposed to UVR. The main components in C. obtusa extract were identified by LC-DAD-MS/MS as chlorogenic acid (CGA), luteolin-C-hexoside, luteolin-C-hexose-O-deoxy-hexose, and apigenin-C-hexose-O-deoxy-hexose. C. obtusa extract and CGA decreased the metalloproteinase-1 and protein carbonyl levels and increased the collagen and hyaluronic acid contents. Overall, the extract exhibited better activity than CGA, and we demonstrated the ability of the extract to protect against the UV-induced increase in the pro inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6, which are potential pathways of the antioxidant and anti aging effect. The chemical characterization added important data to broaden the knowledge related to C. obtusa, and the results suggest that the extract is a promising candidate to be incorporated in topical photochemoprotective formulations.

Evaluation and Comparison of Wound Healing Properties of an Ointment (AlpaWash) Containing Brazilian Micronized Propolis and Peucedanum ostruthium Leaf Extract in Skin Ulcer in Rats.

Several previous studies have demonstrated improved wound healing associated with natural-based formulations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a topical formulation containing both a Brazilian micronized propolis extract and a Peucedanum ostruthium leaf extract for the treatment of wounds created by surgical punch in rats. The study was conducted for 14 days and animals were treated as follows: gauze group (G), polyethylene glycol base ointment (Control), AlpaWash (an ointment containing a Brazilian micronized propolis extract and Peucedanum ostruthium leaf extract [Treatment]), and polysporin (one of the most commonly used topical antibiotic ointments, based on bacitracin zinc and polymyxin B sulfate [Reference Standard]). In general, the results demonstrated that ointments, due to occlusiveness and the ability to maintain moisture under the damaged area, offered improvements when compared to lesions without any treatment. Additionally, the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, as well as antioxidants and antimicrobials, offered improved stimulation and could accelerate wound healing. The Control, Treatment, and Reference Standard groups were able to close the lesion, as measured by the wound healing rate determination and follow-up photographs. However, AlpaWash and Polysporin presented some additional benefits- anti-inflammatory activity, measured using myeloperoxidase and histological count, as well as fibroplasia and hydroxyproline production, suggesting that skin with a better quality could be formed following these two treatments. Therefore, based on the current concern of antibiotic overuse in wound healing, the emergence of multi-resistant organisms and the decrease in newer antibiotics, AlpaWash is considered a prominent formulation to be employed in wound-healing applications.